05/10/2024
I am a FARMACIST.
Don't be shocked.
Some years back my Mom worked in a particular LGA in my state.
The place was quite far from home so my siblings and I had to go over to stay with her, you know, for some motherly care especially because my siblings were very little.
As proud Izzi people we represented well.
I learnt this particular area was used as farm settlement by some people.
We got some piece of land and started farming cassava, yam and few other things.
My siblings and I of course were the labourers. 😂 We were happy at first but with time we started grumbling because we were no longer finding it funny 🤣, especially because some lands were not easy to work on.
I don't know much about farming and soil but I knew that my curiosity got the best part of me.
I kept wondering why some parts of the soil was very Stony and less fertile while others even when it was still within the same space, was soft and more fertile.
That curiosity would have led me to studying SOIL SCIENCE. It may interest you to know that a good number of people needs and want to know more about soil to enhance good farming practices and improve crop/food production.
SOIL SCIENTISTS, you should come out proudly and offer education in this area.
Again I say, be proud of your course of study. You have your joint to supply in the society, just look within and you would see how to contribute meaningfully.
Though I didn't know that such course existed then but here's what I would have done if I studied or I'm studying the course:
1.GRANT WRITING FOR AGRICULTURE STARTUPS:
I mentioned in my previous post that you would need some skills outside what school is giving you to harness what you are studying if you want to practice around the course.
I would learn grant writing and everything about it, then start building a brand that helps farmers or agricultural businesses apply for grants focused on soil conservation, organic farming, or sustainability.
2. CONTENT WRITING AND RESEARCH:
I would write articles, research papers, or newsletters for agricultural organizations or publications, focusing on soil science and its importance in food security and climate resilience. I would also leverage the social media platforms by offering educational contents focused on soil science, sustainable agriculture, or gardening tips.
With time I can monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Don't look down on this.
3. SOIL AND PLANT ADVISORY OR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR URBAN GARDENS:
Are you thinking what I am thinking? This here, is gold mine.
Trust me, those living in towns and big cities are struggling with these area and I can tap into the market by providing personalized advisory services to small-scale farmers, and those interested in urban gardening on soil management, crop selection, and sustainable practices. With research I can identify these people and position properly to help them set up systems that are compatible with the soil conditions available in urban settings. I could do this virtually or in person.
4. SOIL HEALTH EDUCATION AND WORKSHOPS:
I'm sure you are getting the gist now.
I might consider organizing free or low-cost online webinars and workshops on topics like soil health, sustainable farming practices, or composting. I can monetize by offering advanced training for a fee or through donations.
5. SOIL TESTING AND ANALYSIS CONSULTATION:
This is the area many people want to fit in. I would do things differently adding offering soil testing services for farmers, gardeners, or landscapers later. This is because it might be capital intensive. I can also start by partnering with local labs or government programs for actual testing while focusing on interpreting the results and providing recommendations for optimal soil health and crop production.
This might take time too, so I would start with the former options to this.
With these following points of mine, I'm sure that I have been able to convince you and not confuse you that SOIL SCIENCE is a bae.
If you found this helpful, kindly engage with this post and you are free to share to your friends.
PS: If you are building a brand around this, you need a solid BUSINESS PLAN to guide you through the route. You can't afford to start anyhow because you might get frustrated doing it.
Before you would say that gave you the wrong tips. Enter my DM let me help you with a premium plan that would give your brand perception.
Meanwhile, I would be holding a training on how to identify, choose and niche down to your dream career path. You would be learning how to write a business plan for your business too.
So, stay tuned.
CHEERS TO YOUR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH.
©️ Perpetual Chinecherem Nkwuda